And another question..

[CharlieR]

You folks have been tremendous in helping me restore this old saddle. I finally have it all apart and am beginning the restoration process. It was DRY--really DRY--. My question is.....I have been applying the pure neatsfoot oil to it. It is supple, but after it sits for a day or so, it still has that dry look to the finish of the leather.At what point do I stop putting on the neatsfoot. I am planning on using Willams to finish up with. Has anyone had any luck with Pecard's? As this is an old slickfork TexTan, I want to end up with a nice looking antique and want it ti have a cetain amount of sheen. I'm up for suggestions. Will try to post pics when done. Again, thanks for all you help this forum has given. Charlie

[bruce johnson]

Charlie,

I usually quit oiling when I think it "needs one more good coat". I can't claim this is an original idea, a really old guy told me that once and it stuck with me. Old men are generally wise. I would leave it sit for a few days now and then come back and look at it. I like the Williams. Seems like it gives me a better feel without getting sticky. Let it sit a day and it really buffs up to a pretty mellow finish.

[CharlieR]

Bruce--that sounds good. I was just at the point where I thought one more coat would do it. Geesh, I love this forum, so many folks willing to share. Charlie

[TrooperChuck]

The old cowboy who taught me to make saddles always said too much oil was worse than too little. Too much oil can cause leather to become "lifeless" and lose its shape. It also causes the pores to open real wide, and allows dirt to collect in there. Lastly, on warm days an over-oiled saddle will start to "sweat" out that excess oil.